Philodendron Royal Queen vs Black Cardinal: A Comparison
Philodendrons are beautiful plants that add a touch of greenery to your indoor space. They come in a wide variety of colors, sizes, and shapes, making them a popular choice for plant enthusiasts. Two of the most sought-after philodendron varieties are the Royal Queen and the Black Cardinal.
If you’re wondering which one to choose for your home, this article will provide a comparative analysis of the two plants, including their growth habits, propagation techniques, and common issues and solutions. You’ll also learn about designing with philodendrons and get answers to frequently asked questions.
So, whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or a beginner, keep reading to discover everything you need to know about Philodendron Royal Queen vs Black Cardinal.
Key Takeaways
- Philodendron Royal Queen and Black Cardinal are two popular varieties of philodendrons that are known for their beauty and versatility.
- While both plants have similar growth habits and care requirements, they differ in terms of their leaf shape, color, and size.
- Whether you choose the Royal Queen or the Black Cardinal, both plants are easy to propagate, and with proper care, they can thrive in your home for years to come.
Philodendron Royal Queen
If you’re looking for a unique and visually stunning houseplant, the Philodendron Royal Queen is a great choice. This plant is a hybrid of several different philodendron species and is known for its distinctive features, easy care, and growth habits. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at what makes the Philodendron Royal Queen stand out.
Distinctive Features
The Philodendron Royal Queen is known for its large, glossy leaves that turn from deep burgundy to almost black to dark green as they age.
These heart-shaped leaves can grow up to 12 inches long and 8 inches wide, making them a real showstopper in any room. The plant’s stems are also a deep burgundy color, adding to its visual appeal.
Care and Maintenance
Philodendron Royal Queen is a relatively low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. It thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers well-draining soil.
Water your plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch and be sure to avoid overwatering. This plant is sensitive to cold temperatures and should be kept in a warm, humid environment.
Growth Habits
The Philodendron Royal Queen is a slow-growing plant that can reach up to 3 feet in height. It is a climbing plant that will benefit from a support structure such as a moss pole or trellis.
As the plant grows, it will produce aerial roots that can attach to the support structure. You can prune your plant to encourage bushier growth and remove any dead or damaged leaves.
Philodendron Black Cardinal
If you’re looking for a stunning indoor plant that adds a unique and eye-catching element to any space, the Philodendron Black Cardinal is a great choice. Here are some unique traits, cultivation tips, and development patterns to help you care for your Philodendron Black Cardinal.
Unique Traits
The Philodendron Black Cardinal has large oval leaves with dark burgundy-brown black hues. Although they start with a bright bronze color, the leaves on this Philodendron darken as the plant matures.
Similarly, the spathe flowers emerge as a dark red color. One unique feature of the Philodendron Black Cardinal is that it can survive for a few weeks between being in dry soil and receiving water.
Cultivation Tips
To promote healthy foliage growth, pick a position where your Philodendron Black Cardinal receives bright but indirect light. Allow your Black Cardinal Philo to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can be detrimental to your Black Cardinal. The ideal temperature for the Philodendron Black Cardinal is between 60 – 70°F.
Development Patterns
The Philodendron Black Cardinal grows slower than some other philodendrons. It can take up to a year for the plant to reach its full potential height of 2-3 feet. However, with proper care, the Philodendron Black Cardinal can be a long-lasting and beautiful addition to your indoor plant collection.
Comparative Analysis
Visual Differences
Philodendron Royal Queen and Black Cardinal have distinct differences in terms of their visual appearance. The Royal Queen has elongated leaves with a glossy texture that are a deep shade of green.
In contrast, the Black Cardinal has wider leaves with a matte texture that are a darker shade of green. The Royal Queen also has reddish-brown stems, while the Black Cardinal has dark brown or black stems.
Growth Conditions
Both plants require similar growing conditions. They thrive in bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. However, the Royal Queen is more tolerant of lower light conditions than the Black Cardinal.
The Royal Queen also prefers slightly higher humidity levels than the Black Cardinal. Both plants benefit from regular fertilization during the growing season.
Suitability for Various Environments
Both the Philodendron Royal Queen and Black Cardinal are suitable for indoor environments. The Royal Queen is a great choice for those with limited space as it grows to a maximum height of 2-3 feet.
The Black Cardinal, on the other hand, can grow up to 4 feet tall and is better suited for larger spaces. Both plants are relatively easy to care for and make great additions to any indoor plant collection.
Propagation Techniques
If you are interested in propagating your Philodendron royal queen or black cardinal, you will be happy to know that both plants can be propagated easily. In this section, we will discuss the propagation techniques for both plants.
Royal Queen Propagation
To propagate your Philodendron royal queen, you can take stem cuttings from the plant. The best time to take cuttings is in the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing.
Cut a stem that is about 4-6 inches long and has a few leaves on it. Remove the bottom leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Then, plant the cutting in a pot filled with moist potting soil. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a bright, indirect light. The cutting should root in a few weeks.
Black Cardinal Propagation
Philodendron black cardinal can be propagated in the same way as royal queen. Take stem cuttings that are about 4-6 inches long and have a few leaves on them. Remove the bottom leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
Then, plant the cutting in a pot filled with moist potting soil. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a bright, indirect light. The cutting should root in a few weeks.
Common Issues and Solutions
Pest Problems
Philodendrons are susceptible to pests like mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids. If you notice any signs of infestation, isolate the plant immediately and treat it with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Make sure to follow the instructions on the product label and apply the treatment thoroughly. Additionally, you can prevent pest problems by keeping the plant clean and free of debris, and by regularly inspecting it for signs of infestation.
Disease Management
Philodendrons can suffer from a variety of diseases, including root rot, leaf spot, and bacterial blight. To prevent these issues, make sure to avoid overwatering and ensure that the plant is growing in well-draining soil.
If you notice any signs of disease, remove the affected leaves or stems and treat the plant with a fungicide or bactericide. Make sure to follow the instructions on the product label and apply the treatment thoroughly.
Environmental Stress Factors
Philodendrons can also face environmental stress factors like temperature extremes, low humidity, and poor lighting conditions. To prevent these issues, make sure to provide the plant with the appropriate growing conditions.
Philodendrons prefer bright, indirect light and high humidity levels. Avoid placing the plant near drafty windows or air conditioning vents, as this can cause temperature fluctuations and dry air. Additionally, make sure to water the plant regularly and mist it frequently to maintain a humid environment.
Designing with Philodendrons
Philodendrons are a great addition to any indoor or outdoor space. They come in a wide range of colors and sizes, making them versatile and easy to incorporate into any design. Here are some ideas for designing with philodendrons.
Indoor Aesthetics
When designing with philodendrons indoors, consider the lighting and temperature of the space. Philodendrons prefer bright, indirect light and temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
If your space doesn’t meet these requirements, consider using artificial lighting or a heating source to create the ideal environment for your philodendron.
Philodendrons can be used in a variety of ways indoors. They can be potted and placed on a windowsill, used as a hanging plant, or even trained to climb a trellis or wall. For a modern look, consider using a philodendron in a minimalist pot or planter. Alternatively, you can use a more decorative pot or planter to add a pop of color or texture to your space.
Outdoor Landscaping
Philodendrons are also a great addition to any outdoor space. They can be used as ground cover, in planters, or even trained to climb a trellis or wall. When designing with philodendrons outdoors, consider the lighting and temperature of the space.
Philodendrons prefer bright, indirect light and temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If your outdoor space doesn’t meet these requirements, consider using shade cloth or a heating source to create the ideal environment for your philodendron.
Philodendrons can be used in a variety of ways outdoors. They can be used as a border plant, to fill in gaps in a garden, or even as a focal point in a landscape design. For a modern look, consider using a philodendron in a minimalist planter. Alternatively, you can use a more decorative planter to add a pop of color or texture to your outdoor space.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences in care requirements between the Royal Queen and Black Cardinal philodendrons?
Both the Royal Queen and Black Cardinal philodendrons are relatively easy to care for, but there are some differences in their care requirements. The Royal Queen prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil, while the Black Cardinal can tolerate lower light levels and prefers soil that is kept slightly moist. Additionally, the Royal Queen has a higher tolerance for cooler temperatures than the Black Cardinal.
How do the growth habits and sizes of the Royal Queen and Black Cardinal philodendrons compare?
The Royal Queen and Black Cardinal philodendrons have similar growth habits. Both plants grow upright and produce new leaves from the center of the plant.
However, the Royal Queen tends to be a slightly slower grower than the Black Cardinal. In terms of size, the Royal Queen can grow up to 3 feet tall, while the Black Cardinal can reach up to 4 feet tall.
Can the Royal Queen and Black Cardinal philodendrons be grown together, and if so, what considerations should be taken?
Yes, the Royal Queen and Black Cardinal philodendrons can be grown together in the same pot. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the Black Cardinal may outgrow the Royal Queen over time. You may need to prune the Black Cardinal periodically to prevent this.
What are the distinct visual characteristics that differentiate the Royal Queen from the Black Cardinal?
The Royal Queen and Black Cardinal philodendrons have some distinct visual differences. The Royal Queen has large, glossy leaves that are a deep green color, while the Black Cardinal has smaller leaves that are a deep burgundy color. Additionally, the Royal Queen has a more upright growth habit, while the Black Cardinal tends to be more sprawling.
How rare and available are the Royal Queen and Black Cardinal philodendrons in the houseplant market?
Both the Royal Queen and Black Cardinal philodendrons are fairly common in the houseplant market. They can be found at many nurseries and online plant shops. However, the Black Cardinal may be slightly more difficult to find than the Royal Queen.
What are some common issues to watch out for when growing either Royal Queen or Black Cardinal philodendrons?
Both the Royal Queen and Black Cardinal philodendrons are relatively easy to care for, but there are some common issues to watch out for.
Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s important to allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Additionally, both plants can be susceptible to pests such as spider mites and mealybugs, so it’s important to keep an eye out for any signs of infestation.
